For a time, American Airlines’ strengthened relationship with alaska airline was all sunshine and roses. Two carriers enhance their reciprocal elite upgrade in January, and our news editors got it royal treatment on American Airlines as the 100K MVP of Alaska Airlines. Likewise, some elite American members based in New York have received more upgrades on Alaska’s intercontinental flights.
But on all travel after May 1, AAdvantage will take a cut of the mileage income on Alaska Airlines Economy Ticket equal to 60%, like Prize wallet first report. Saver is Alaska’s version of the basic economy.
We’ve reached out to Americans and Alaskans for comments and will update the story as we receive a response.
Changes
For all travel after May 1, AAdvantage will credit Alaska Airlines economy tickets on a 10% basis (instead of 25%). Existing economy tickets (represented by fare class X) with travel dates after May 1 will not be exempted.
Let’s see what that means for a one-way, 2,586-mile economy ticket from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK):
- Currently, AAdvantage members collectively earn 647 miles (worth $11.45 at our pricing) and Loyalty Points (25% of distance flown).
- From May 1, AAdvantage members will generally earn 259 miles (worth $4.58 at our pricing) and Loyalty Points (10% of distance flown).
As it stands, 25% is already a stingy earning rate, but by reducing it to 10%, AAdvantage members will earn less on Alaskan savings tickets.
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Currently, Alaska economy tickets still accrue 100% of standard mileage if you fly with Alaska Mileage Plan numbers. However, if you are a US elite member, you will have to fly with your AAdvantage number to receive your perks.
Related: What is American Airlines elite status worth in 2023?
bottom line
Americans will reduce income from Alaska savings tickets. Earlier this month, AAdvantage’s 2023 elite status year kicked off with a requirement of 40,000 Loyalty Points for entry-level AAdvantage Gold status (a 33% increase from last year’s Gold status requirement).
By increasing the elite status requirements and decreasing the income value on Alaska’s savings tickets, it seems likely that it will be harder to qualify for AAdvantage status.
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Editor’s Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone, not those of any bank, credit card company, airline or customer chain. hotels and has not been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of these organizations.
